Urgent alert as deadly drug CanKet uncovered at Brisbane pill testing site CheQpoint

The first Queensland detection of a dissociative drug mixed with methamphetamine has caused fears of a wave of overdoses across Brisbane.

Queensland’s first fixed-site pill testing service, CheQpoint, in Bowen Hills. Picture: NCA NewsWIRE / John Gass

Brisbane’s pill testing service CheQpoint has issued an urgent alert following the first Queensland detection of dissociative drug “CanKet” mixed with methamphetamine.

The detection has caused fears of a wave of overdoses across Brisbane as advocates call for the expansion of pill testing services in the state.

“CanKet” — also known as 2F-NENDCK — is an illegally produced analogue of ketamine, which can leave people dissociated and unable to move. In extreme cases, or when mixed with other drugs, overdose could lead to death.

The new variant of Ketamine was first found by scientists at the Australian National University's pill testing service in Canberra in 2022. Picture: Supplied/Prof Malcolm McLeod

CheQpoint was funded by the Queensland government to begin pill testing services in Brisbane and the Gold Coast in April.

The pill testing service is run by a collaboration between Queensland drug health organisations QuIHN, QuIVAA and pill testing organisation The Loop Australia.

A new report released on Thursday showed 219 people had accessed pill testing services in the four months of CheQpoint’s operation in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. There were 392 drug samples tested, with one in 10 containing an unexpected psychoactive drug.

Of the people who accessed the service, 16 per cent disposed of their drugs after consulting with the service’s health professionals. An additional 23 per cent said they would reduce their drug dosage following their consultation.

“We need to expand access to pill testing right across Queensland. Today’s alert underscores the importance of making sure that people can access the service so that we can issue alerts to warn the community.” Cameron Francis, chief executive of The Loop Australia said.

“Queensland is seeing super potent synthetic opioids like nitazenes starting to show up.

It’s terrifying to think what rate of overdoses we will see from nitazenes if we can’t detect them first and warn the public.”

“Our priority is to stay ahead of emerging threats, ensuring that people are informed and protected.”

Geoff Davey, chief executive of QuIHN said that pill testing services in Queensland had played a crucial role in connecting people who use drugs with health services.

“Pill testing services provide a safe, non-judgmental space for people to access critical health services, make informed decisions, and reduce harm associated with drug use.”

“Of the people who have accessed CheQpoint’s service, one in two have never previously spoken to a health professional about their alcohol or drug use,” he said.

“One in four people who have come through the service were then referred for further support from GPs or alcohol and other drug treatment services.

“The report highlights the transformative impact of pill testing on community health.

Direct, personalised health advice can help prevent overdose and save lives.”

Originally published as Urgent alert as deadly drug CanKet uncovered at Brisbane pill testing site CheQpoint